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SFR, Bouygues collaborate on FTTH

French carriers SFR and Bouygues Telecom are teaming up to accelerate fiber deployment in major cities across the country.

The cellcos today revealed they will combine investment in deploying GPON technologies in high-density areas, allowing SFR to expand its current commercial services, and boosting Bouygues plans to launch services in 2H11.

Standardizing on GPON will allow the firms to pool resources and accelerate rollout of fiber to the home infrastructure in-line with plans outlined by the French government, SFR stated.

Bouygues chief Olivier Roussat said the deal enabled his firm to become a full player in fiber, while SFR boss Frank Essar said it will strengthen his firm’s ability to invest in rollouts.

The agreement only covers the passive elements of the network, leaving both carriers free to compete with differentiated service offerings.

Proposals for shared fiber networks in rural areas outlined by regulator Arcep in June would boost the number of homes passed to 1.7 million from around 800,000 at mid-2010.